Sioux Forsyth: On Robert and Jane Forsyth – Westminster Legends

Sioux Forsyth is the modern day “keeper of the flame” in the memory of her parents, the late, great, Robert and Jane Forsyth. The only husband and wife team to this day to both win Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club, the Forsyth’s were formidable handlers in the Golden Era of large kennels owned and operated by wealthy benefactors. In the 1980s, they both retired and turned to judging, eventually each acquiring the coveted “all-breed” status.

“I was lucky,” Sioux said. “The things I learned on a daily basis that I took for granted, I probably shouldn’t have. Because not everyone had those opportunities. I saw amazingly good dogs that people today never got to see. And I saw them on a daily basis.”

Sioux Forsyth’s “Leonard” the Whippet

Her favorite, though, of all of those famous and fabulous dogs was a Whippet her father imported from England, Charmoll Clansman. A dog who hated the show ring, but sired the famous Ch. Sporting Field Clansman, who was a two-time group winner at the Garden.

“Leonard hated everyone in the kennel including my mother,” Sioux said. “He hated to show. He was one of the few who lived in the house. They gave him to me because I was the only one he liked. Mom forgot him in the house twice. It was that unusual to have a dog live in the house. They were kennel dogs. When they retired, they went home to be a pet. Until then they needed to know their job, and their job was to be show dog.”

12 Best in Shows in the Truck

Sioux related a story about her parents, who were assisted by George Alston at that time, and George Ward, the famous terrier man, taking a dog show trip to Texas “uninvited,” as they say. “They had 12 Best in Show dogs on the truck. They left after 10 shows with one group win,” Sioux marveled. “They laughed about it. But, really, today, how many handlers have 12 best in show dogs on the truck? Most of us are lucky to have one or even a group winner.”

“It was very different for me than for my parents (as a handler),” Sioux noted. “Part of that was personality. Part of that was also the era. When you hired my parents, you hired them because they were professionals and the best at what they did. When I started showing dogs, I would have people hire me and tell me where I needed to go show their dog. Trust me, no one ever told mother where to show their dog. Very few people told my mother anything, never mind how to do her job. To me it’s a lack of respect. That when you hire a professional that’s exactly what you’re doing. Just like hiring your personal doctor or the person who cleans your house. You hire a person, it’s because they’re good at what they do. When you hire a handler you should be hiring them because you respect them and you believe they will do the best job for you and your dog. And that seems to be lost.”

Jane Forsyth “Suffered No Fools”

Those of us who didn’t encounter Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth until later in their careers were under a misconception that “Janey’s” unwillingness to suffer fools came with an advanced age, Sioux laughed outright.

“Don’t ask unless you want the truth,” Sioux said. “My mother was brutally honest. An amazing dog person. Someone that, she’d judge a class and I’d ask her why did you put that one up. She’d say something like ‘did you see those feet? Those were the best feet in the class. You can’t build a great big house on a faulty foundation.’ That was one thing, she always looked at some things that we may pass over. I cannot tell you how many people come to me with hilarious stories of my mother…. how many of them have to do with toenails… I have got to tell you the best Janey story… my mother was judging standard poodles in the midwest. She called out to this handler by name, ‘you know you probably have the best one here, but I can’t stand those dead baby hands’…. What are dead baby hands? Flat feet…”

Quality of Show Dogs Today

Sioux talked about the quality of dogs in her parents day and today, noting that, in her opinion, the loss of the large breeding kennels has led to an overall decline in depth of quality in breeds.

“First of all, when my parents were showing dogs, especially in the ‘50s and ‘60s, …. they both worked for these huge kennels before they went out on their own. They’d have 50 head of greyhounds, 100 head of whippets. We don’t have that any more. That’s one big reason we have lost a lot of depth of quality. We don’t have huge breeders anymore. We don’t have kennels of 100-200 dogs anymore that are just breeding kennels.

“These kennels were owned by very wealthy people. Mrs. Dodge for example. We always had 45-50 Smooth Fox Terriers for Mrs. Ferrell of Ferrell shipping lines. They would hire someone like my parents to run their breeding program and their kennel. (The handlers) would take these people’s dogs to the show and show them. Instead of having to go out on your own and have 10-20 clients to pay bills, you’d work with one kennel to gain experience breeding, whelping, raising and taking them to dog shows. It was these people’s golf or their tennis. That was their identity. When Peter Green first came to this country, he worked for individuals with very large kennels. That’s how a lot of our professional handlers earned enough money to go out on their own and show dogs for multiple clients. We’re losing quality and depth of quality because we don’t have those kennels anymore.”

Bob and Jane Winning at the Garden

The two most famous of the dogs her parents showed, Sioux added were the ones they each won with at the Garden.

“Dad won in 1964 with the Whippet Ch. Fleetfoot of Pennyworth. Mom won with the Boxer bitch Susie in 1970 (Ch. Arriba’s Prima Donna),” Sioux said. “I sat with mom for a lot of hours before she passed. I asked her what was the best boxer you ever showed. She said it would have to be barrage (Ch Barrage of Quality Hill).

“We carried 10-15 boxers to every show. There were two in every class. They would switch off which one they showed every day.”

Part Two on Thursday on Pure Dog Talk

Enjoy these amazing memories and more during Laura’s interview with Sioux today.

Join us for part two of the interview when Sioux talks about showing dogs in proper condition, her mom’s lifetime friendship with Anne Rogers Clark and, spoiler alert, her thoughts on the future “legends” of the sport.

Allison Foley’s Tip of the Week

Toenail Trimming and Care

Perfect for our Jane Forsyth Day!!! Jane was a stickler on toenails… so listen up folks…

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December 11, 2017 by 11outfox123 from New Zealand

I love these podcasts!! Even though I have been involved in breeding and showing for many years, I can not believe how much I have learnt from Laura and her guests. We live in NZ, and these podcasts make us feel not so far away from the rest of the dog world, to have this kind of information shared is remarkable.
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I must admit, I've been very selfish about this podcast... my most recent obsession.. I wanted to ingest all of it before everyone else. Currently on episode 130 ? Laura Reeves is so engaging, informative and sincere it's hard not to get choked up when she does. The passion just pours out of her and her interviewees. She's everything I want to be for my #OEBCommunity ... She touches on health, education, wellness, giving back, SHOWS and the history of our beloved animals, animal rights and PUR RIGHTS TO HAVE & BREED our babies ?

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I'm addicted. I love the shoptalk, and also the humor and friendliness.

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December 2, 2017 by Adam Ninja from United States

What a great resource for a novice handler and breeder. Informative and very supportive! What a great way to promote purebred dogs, and support thoughtful breeding and confirmation (among other dog activities) in an unbiased and modern way. Kudos to Laura.

Best dog podcast EVER!

October 21, 2017 by Mrcdzz from Mexico

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All the love for Pure Dog Talk!

October 17, 2017 by LovesPoodles from United States

Love listening to Laura while I walk, groom or drive to shows. Showing my first dog right now and it’s helping so much! Love Pure Dog Talk!

A podcast just for dog people

October 13, 2017 by turkhaven from United States

Love you Laura! I listen to this one as soon as an ep is posted. Great topics.

Informative History for oldtimers and new people

September 13, 2017 by Jason Hkm from United States

Each interview gives great insight into our sport. The deatil of history and how the sport is progressing should be heard by everyone involved in our sport. Well worth the time!!

Learning and relearning

September 11, 2017 by Going for a Spin from United States

These podcasts have information that I may have stored somewhere, but the succinct, timely and well detailed reminders are welcome! AND I'm learning so much new information to be a better owner, handler and trainer.

Maltese Breeder

September 11, 2017 by LynCachia from Australia

Excellent content on every subject with valuable information that all worldwide authorities could adopt.
Unbiased, and practical knowledge.

Awesome podcast!

August 11, 2017 by whatsappwiththis from United States

Fascinating information I haven't found anywhere else! Thanks so much!

Awesome resource for owner handlers!!!

June 30, 2017 by FMJ88 from United States

A must, if you show your own dogs!

Great!

June 30, 2017 by Machborzoi from United States

I love the variety of topics and inclusion of top names all aspects of dog sports/breeding. Can't recommend this podcast enough to the purebred dog community!

Great Podcast

June 18, 2017 by MRenLew from United States

My first one was 81. I will now have to go listen to the others.

Just what I was looking for!

June 9, 2017 by Khailee from United States

Well produced, interesting, informative. Awesome!

Long Overdue

June 2, 2017 by KCoonhound from United States

Such a wonderful service to the fancy! People have said for years that it's sad to lose the wisdom and insights of the "great ones" of the sport. Thanks to Laura, these personal interviews will go on to inspire breeders and exhibitors of the future. I wish that the ones who are lost to us had had this avenue to share their knowledge in their own words.

My favorite podcast

May 14, 2017 by diggindog from United States

Great information in compact, concise episodes in an array of interesting topics. I've learned a ton of helpful hints. Highly recommended.

Great podcast about dogs

April 28, 2017 by NevadaExplorer from United States

I am just getting started into the dog show scene. Every podcast answers question and/or makes me aware of things I should know.

An amazing resource!

April 13, 2017 by wynnypi from United States

I enjoy the wide range of topics discussed on this podcast. I am slowly working up the courage to start showing my dog in conformation and it is a direct result of listening. This podcast breaks down many different aspects of dog sports but also discusses topics like whelping a litter, search and rescue, and up and coming new dog sports. Keep up the good work! Definitely one of my favorites!

An outstanding podcast!

April 3, 2017 by ConorIRE from United States

This podcast is superb. It's very well done and filled wtih useful, insightful and entertaining information for any and all interested in purebred dogs and the activities that surround them. For passionate newbies (like me) and long term ethusiasts there is a lot to love here! I'm excited to hear more.

So informative!

March 23, 2017 by alaskaguy from United States

I have listened to just about every Pure Dog Talk podcast that I could find and learned something from every episode. Laura Reeves is an engaging host and her guests are among the best in the dog world. Laura's questions sometimes get a little long winded but they elicit informative responses. I wish there were more past episodes to download. Keep up the great work.

Many

March 15, 2017 by Gun Dogs of Navarino from United States

I REALLY enjoy Laura Reeves podcast! They are super for listening to while driving to a dog show. They are informative, professional, upbeat and often funny. Also enjoy her column in "Best In Show Daily".

Excellent!

March 15, 2017 by DogmomMary from United States

From novice to pro this podcast is for everyone. Interesting topics and people.
The puppy series was great and as I've just taken on the mantle of "specialty coordinator", Betty Anne's could not be more timely.
I LOVE that we get three episodes a week!
Thanks to all, great job.

Great information!

February 17, 2017 by fbdfanatic from United States

Thank you for doing these informative and entertaining podcasts.

Great information

February 12, 2017 by DNaeWilson from United States

I am always looking for resources to better me as a breeder and a breeder-owner-handler. Happy to have found Pure Dog Talk!

Really Great Info!

January 31, 2017 by GrayPaper from United States

This is a great podcast for all dog show people!! Although I am fairly new to the sport of dogs I learn something new with every podcast.

Great Resource

January 28, 2017 by Jana Twotwo from United States

These podcasts give wonderful, up to date information about starting your dog right. It has been a long time since I have had a puppy and now I have the tools to help my dog get it right. Mary and Laura are very knowledgeable and share their knowledge. Super podcasts.

Pure Dog Talk

January 28, 2017 by Nona k from United States

Excellent and informative!

Kudos to Pure Dog Talk!

January 27, 2017 by Kelly Rauch from United States

I am so excited to have open access to the latest in education, training and expertise from some of the best in the dog world. Kudos on being a one-stop-shop for all things dog....

Great puppy info!

January 27, 2017 by DRmatopoeia from United States

Really enjoyed "Bomb Proof your Puppy"!
Very pro- nice podcast!

So enjoyable!

January 27, 2017 by Seawitch_Whippets from Canada

I've been a fan since the beginning, and I'm glad to see something catering to our dog world. I've downloaded them all, and listen to the podcasts on long trips to dog shows, or just quick jaunts across town. My only feedback would be for the hosts to remember that not everyone has been in the sport forever, so maybe a little introduction and background to some of the guests would be good.
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January 27, 2017 by Aspenelk from United States

Well done, badly needed

Bomb Proofing we all need!

January 27, 2017 by SJR200 from United States

What we all wish we'd known when we got our first puppy. Really invaluable information on socializing the right way!

Fantastic Resource!

January 25, 2017 by Ittybittypilot from United States

Great for dog people of all levels, a great review for anyone, and guidance for those new to dog sports. Thank you for all your hard work!

Very thankful to have found this Podcast!

January 25, 2017 by KJMAJJM from United States

If you are a dog lover you'll want to know about this PODCAST. Professional and experienced guests are asked interesting questions and give expert insight and advice. I'm super excited to have found this Podcast. I can't get enough of it. For those who do not have mentors, or their mentors are not the best communicators, this show is greatly appreciated. I feel like I've found gold at the end of a rainbow. I want more episodes and I want them longer! lol :) Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this Podcast.

Great advice

January 17, 2017 by Sylvia rutmanis your neice from United States

It is great advice I am gonna use all of your advice for the new puppy's and my other dogs

Essential for ALL dog owners

January 9, 2017 by Crazy4Dobermans from United States

Terrific, honest and fun podcast all about dog shows. Finally, here's someone explaining dog shows in detail without being too "inside baseball". Great discussions whether you're just starting out in dogs or have spent a lifetime handling. EVERY new dog owner should listen and every breeder should share with their puppy owners.

An outstanding resource for purebred dog enthusiasts!

January 6, 2017 by Marcy Burke from United States

BRAVO to Mary Albee and Laura Reeves for creating this amazing podcast! I love that the topics change, so there is something for every purebred dog lover.

New favorite!

December 24, 2016 by Charleehw from United States

I listen to different local Northwest podcasts every day. Dog Talk is my new favorite! My 7 year old daughter who is in 4-H with dogs loves it too and requested that I share it with all the kids. I've shown dogs for 28 years but still found so many helpful pearls. And a great way to reinforce good habits. Keep them coming!

Excellent for New Handlers

December 13, 2016 by McmJen from United States

This podcast is fantastic at explaining the in's and out's of handling your dog. I am new to the sport and love it!

Great resource!

December 4, 2016 by lrmars from United States

This podcast is a great resource for the purebred dog owner!

Improving my Showmanship

December 2, 2016 by Marzdogs from United States

Pure Dog Talk pod cast are very informative and easy to follow. Laura does a great job explaining how to work with your dog to get the most out of them in the show ring. I have only listened to the first 4 so far and I look forward to listening to many more to help improve my showmanship and my dogs performance.

Great info!

December 2, 2016 by Melissa Everett Laggis from United States

Clear and concise information with a friendly tone. As a brand new exhibitor (of Standard Poodles, no less!!), the information presented in these episodes are priceless!

Real-life dog talk

December 2, 2016 by MikeMcCallum from United States

This a a great podcast by long-time dog people: breeder, handler, owner. Laura is a straight shooter and has been in dogs since birth. She has a wealth of experience to share—all you have to do is listen!!

Tips for success

December 2, 2016 by Cool Sue from United States

This is an amazing source of information from professional handlers in the know. So much to learn from the professionals. Wish I had access to this info years ago.